A wave of concern has swept through parts of Lagos following the arrest of a woman alleged to be selling contaminated Elubo Isu (yam flour) to unsuspecting buyers at the Oyingbo Market.
According to a statement from the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the suspect was caught mixing spoilt yam with harmful chemicals to alter its color and appearance before packaging it for sale. The alarming discovery was made possible through the quick intervention of environmental officials from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), who acted on intelligence.
“The woman was arrested for producing and selling contaminated yam flour, using spoiled yams mixed with dangerous chemicals to deceive buyers,” Wahab disclosed.
He praised the sanitation workers for their vigilance and swift response. “We appreciate our enforcement team and the street sweepers who flagged this dangerous act. This is a serious public health concern, and the state government will not tolerate any act that endangers the lives of residents,” he stated.
Residents have been urged to exercise caution and thoroughly inspect food items before purchase. The state government also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities involving food adulteration in markets.
As of press time, the arrested woman remains in custody while further investigations continue.